200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #733
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5162
Fax: (714) 765-5164
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: AUGUST 15, 2023
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION ON CONDUCTING AN AUDIT INTO FUNDS
AWARDED TO VISIT ANAHEIM DURING THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): NO ITEM # 24
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council discuss and provide any direction to staff regarding conducting an audit into the $6,500,000 funds awarded to Visit Anaheim during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if any funds were improperly used, and to potentially work with state and federal partners in any external audits, and any other appropriate actions.
DISCUSSION:
Mayor Aitken requested a discussion on conducting an audit to determine if any taxpayer money was misused, and to potentially work with state and federal partners in any external audits that may currently be underway.
In July 2023, the JL Group concluded their independent investigation into campaign contributions and released a report on their findings. The report alleges that $1,500,000 may have been inappropriately diverted to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce from a $6,500,000 award to Visit Anaheim meant to promote tourism to the City during the COVID-19 shutdown.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no budgetary impact to the General Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Vanderpool
City Manager